Advocacy

Advocacy

Advocacy service (accompany customers for physical health checks and appointments)

Advocacy means getting support from another person to help you express your views and wishes, and to help make sure your voice is heard. Someone who helps you in this way is called your advocate.

Unfortunately, having a mental health problem can sometimes mean that your opinions and ideas are not always taken seriously, or that you are not always offered all the opportunities and choices you would like. This can be difficult to deal with, especially when you need to communicate regularly with health care professionals, or other professionals regarding your care or daily living issues.

What does an advocate do?

How your advocate helps you is up to you – they're there to support your choices. For example, they can:

listen to your views and concerns

help you explore your options and rights (without advising you in any particular direction)